History of the “Sounds” of Music Part #1965

The 1960s..."The Road to Woodstock" Evolution of the Sounds of Music

Classic Rock Turntables.com

By William W. Nelson

Founder of the Asheville School of Classic Rock

************

1965

Introduction

We are now 4 years from the "Woodstock Music & Art Fair" billed as the "Counter Culture Nation Convention"... and, after the Wham of the British Invasion began in 1964 with "Beatlemania" things in the evolution of Music Soungs took another step... where Music played a pivotal role in the Counterculture movement with "Creativity" in full force.

This year marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of popular music, characterized by intense artistic innovation and experimentation. The friendly rivalry among Musicians, especially between Groups like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Motown, and The Beach Boys, spurred a cycle of creative one-upmanship that pushed the boundaries of Songwriting and Recording Techniques, especially the Electric Guitar. Bob Dylan's controversial decision to go Electric at the Newport Folk Festival symbolized a broader acceptance of Electric Instruments across all Genres.

This competitive spirit led to the birth of new Genres expanding the musical landscape and setting the stage for future developments:

Folk Rock: This Fusion created a new, dynamic Sound that resonated with the Cultural and Social changes of the Era. The Genre is characterized by its use of Electric Guitars, Bass, and Drums, alongside Traditional Folk Instruments like Acoustic Guitars and Harmonicas. The Lyrics often focus on Social and Political themes, reflecting the Counterculture movement's concerns and aspirations.

Psychedelia Sounds: Extensive use of Electronic Sound effects using Synthesizers, Oscillators to produce repetitive, droning Sounds, and Tape Manipulation (Looping, Reverse Playback, and Speed Alteration) created by master Sound Engineers.

Baroque Pop: The use of Harpsichords, String Quartets, and Orchestral Arrangements that create Complex, layered Harmonies and Melodies with Poetic, often Introspective lyrics.

Funk: A strong emphasis on rhythm and groove, with a prominent bass line... Syncopated, interlocking rhythms created by various instruments... use of extended Chords, often played by Guitars, Keyboards, and Horns... incorporation of Elements from Soul, R&B, and Jazz. James Brown's 1965 hit "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" is often cited as an early example of the Funk Sound. Others include Sly and the Family Stone, Earth, Wind, and Fire, and Kool and the Gang.

Bob Dylan revolutionized Lyrical Content, infusing Pop Music with deeper, more Socially Conscious Themes. The blending of Genres became more pronounced, with Musicians incorporating Elements from diverse Musical traditions, including Indian Classical Music. His crossover to the Electric Guitar... while some Purists felt alienated, others recognized the innovation and the blending of Folk and Rock Elements, which would influence the evolution of Rock Music.

This creative explosion wasn't limited to music; it extended to Fashion, Visual Arts, and Literature, reflecting the broader Cultural Shifts of the Era. The push for Artistic control challenged the commercial norms of the Music Industry, proving that innovative and experimental Music could achieve widespread success. This creative renaissance in 1965 laid the groundwork for the even more experimental and diverse artistic Expressions that would define the latter half of the 1960s and beyond.

Note: With eight #1 Hits to their name in both the US and the UK, Liverpool group The Beatles are awarded the MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by the Queen. The Beatles release their 2nd hit Movie "Help!" in July. The Beatles hold the first major Stadium Concert inat Shea Stadium in New York City before 55,600 Fans. In September they have their 3rd US #1 Single of the Year, second of the year in the UK, with "Help."

The Top Songs of 1965

Veteran British vocalist Petula Clark breaks through in the US with her number one Single "Downtown" (#2 UK). It was Clark's 8th UK Top Ten hit where she had been recording since the early 1950's.

Bronx R&B singer Shirley Ellis has her 2nd US Top Ten hit at #3 with "The Name Gang" a rhyming game that creates variations on a person's name. She hit the Top Ten again in April with "The Clapping Song" #8 US (#6 UK)

The Impressions, featuring singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield, hit #14 Pop, #3 R&B with "People Get Ready". The Song was inspired by the March on Washington in 1963, where Martin Luther King delivered his "I Have A Dream" Speech.

American "Blue-eyed Soul" duo The Righteous Brothers have a #1 single in both the US and UK with "You've Lost That Lovin Feelin'" the first of 4 US Top Ten singles for the duo in 1965.

Recording since the 1950's, American Soul Singer Joe Tex has his breakthrough hit with "Hold What You've Got" #1 R&B, #5 US Pop. The Song would be the first of 4 million-selling Singles for Tex.

North London, UK Rock Band The Kinks 2 more US Top Ten Hits including "Tired of Waiting for You" #1 UK (#6 US) and "All Day and All Of The Night" #2 UK (#7 US),

Gary Lewis, son of Jerry Lewis, and his Band The Playboys go to #1 US with their debut Single "This Diamond Ring". Lewis is both the Drummer and the Lead Singer for the Band.

Detroit Vocal Group The Temptations have their first US #1 (UK #2) Single with "My Girl" written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, both Members of fellow Motown Act The Miracles. It is the first Single with David Ruffin on Lead Vocals.

Motown Girl Group The Supremes have their 4th US #1 Single in a row with the Song "Stop In The Name of Love" (#7 UK). The Song is another Hit from the Motown production and songwriting team of Holland - Dozier - Holland.

The British Invasion continues as the Single "I'm Telling You Now" by Manchester, UK Band Freddie and The Dreamers goes to #1 US (#2 UK). The Song is written by Lead Singer Freddie Garrity and UK Songwriter Mitch Murray.

Cardiff, Wales Singer Shirley Bassey hits #8 US (#21 UK) with the Title Song from the James Bond film "Goldfinger". Bassey would go on to Sing the Title Songs for two other Bond Films "Moonraker" and "Diamonds Are Forever."

"Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter" by another Manchester, UK Band Herman's Hermits tops the US Charts. They would hit #1 in the US again in August with the Single "Henry VIII". Neither Song has been released as a Single in the UK.

Welsh Singer Tom Jones belts out a hit with his 2nd Single "It's Not Unusual" which reaches #1 UK (#10 US) after being played heavily by offshore "Pirate" station Radio Caroline that drawing a large audience of young Rock Music Fans in the UK.

The Beach Boys have their 2nd US #1 with the Single "Help Me Rhonda", the first Single to feature Lead Vocals by Al Jardine. They also hit #3 US with "California Girls" from their 9th album "Summer Days (and Summer Nights!)."

"Wooly Bully" hits #2 US and Dallas Group Sam The Sham and The Pharoahs became the first US Band to have a million seller during the British Invasion. Though never reaching #1, the song becomes the best-selling single of 1965.

Los Angeles Band The Byrds release their debut album and it becomes a US and UK #1 Single with their Cover of Bob Dylan's song "Mr. Tambourine Man". The Album of the same name hits the Top Ten in both the US and UK. They would top the US charts for the 2nd time in 1965 with a cover of "Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There Is A Season)" written by American Folk Singer Pete Seeger.

The Rolling Stones have their first US #1 Single with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" - it is their fourth UK #1. They top the Charts again in November with the Single "Get Off Of My Cloud."

Bob Dylan debuts his new Electric Sound at The Newport Folk Festival and receives Boos from the Crowd of Folk Purists. Nevertheless his Single "Like A Rolling Stone" hit US #2 (#4) UK in September.

Alabama native and Detroit Resident, Wilson Pickett moves from Gospel to Secular Music and has a #1 US R&B, #21 US Pop hit with "In The Midnight Hour". The Song is written by Pickett and Steve Cropper and Recorded at Stax Studio in Memphis.

Los Angeles Duo Sonny and Cher hit #1 in both the US and UK with the Single "I Got You Babe" from their Debut Album. The Song is written and produced by Sonny Bono and recorded in Los Angeles with backing from the Ace Studio Musicians known as "The Wrecking Crew."

After leaving the Folk Group The New Christy Minstrels, Singer Barry McGuire, backed by Los Angeles Session pro's The Wrecking Crew, has a #1 US (#3 UK) Solo Hit with the dire protest Song "Eve of Destruction."

"Otis Blue", the 3rd Album by Macon, GA Soul Singer Otis Redding on Stax/Volt is released. The Single "I've Been Loving You Too Long" reaches #2 R&B and #21 US Pop. The Album goes to #1 US R&B (#6 UK).

Veteran Soul Singer James Brown is back in the US Top Ten with the Single "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" which also tops the US R&B chart. Brown would go all the way to #3 US in December with "I Got You (I Feel Good)."

The McCoys, a Band of Indiana and Ohio Teenagers had a #1 US hit (#5 UK) with the "Garage Rock" Single "Hang On Sloopy" on Bert Berns' Bang! Record Label. 16-year-old Lead Singer and Guitarist Rick Derringer would go on to a Rock Music Career.

Inspired by the British Invasion High School Kids across America are forming Garage Bands. One group, The Gentry's, from Memphis reach #4 US with the upbeat Dance Single "Keep on Dancing."

Veteran Texas Singer-Songwriter Roy Head, switches to "Blue-Eyed Soul" and lands a #2 US hit Single with "Treat Her Right". Playing in Rockabilly and Country Bands since High School Head and Gene Kurtz wrote this Soul Rock Song based on a standard twelve-bar Blues.

Los Angeles Native Herb Alpert's Band The Tijuana Brass made a US #1 Album with "Whipped Cream & Other Delights", along with a US Top Ten single "Taste of Honey". Alpert and partner Jerry Moss form the A&M record Label to release this and other Music.

Jamaica, New York Girl Group The Toys go to #2 US with their Single "A Lover's Concerto". The Song is base on a "Minuet in G Major" taken from a Bach Piano Exercise Book and made pop with the addition of a Motown Style Bassline.

St.Louis Soul Singer Fontella Bass signs with Chess Records and goes to #1 R&B, #4 US Pop, and #11 UK with her Single "Rescue Me". The Song was written by Carl Smith and Raynard Miner and recorded at Chicago's Chess Studios.

London Band The Who are #2 in the UK with "My Generation", their 3rd Top Ten single in the UK. Still unknown in the US, the Song fails to ignite on the US Pop Chart peaking at #75. It is the Band's third UK Top Ten Single.

UK Band The Dave Clark Five have their 7th US Top Ten single and first #1 with "Over And Over". They reach #4 in August with "Catch Us If You Can" from their Movie of the same name.

1965 Top 40 Albums - British in Red

1 The Beatles - Rubber Soul

2 Richard Rodgers - The Sound Of Music

3 Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited

4. The Beatles - Help!

5 Bob Dylan - Bringing It All Back Home

6 Disney - Mary Po

7 Herb Alpert - Whipped Cream & Other Delights

8 The Beatles - Beatles For Sale

9 The Rolling Stones - Out Of Our Heads

10 Original Cast - Fiddler On The Roof

11 Otis Redding - Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul

12 Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas

13 The Beatles - Beatles '65

14 Elvis Presley - Roustabout

15 The Beach Boys - Beach Boys Today

16 Frank Sinatra - September Of My Years

17 The Byrds - Mr. Tambourine Man

18 The Beatles - Beatles Vi

19 BB King - Live at the Regal

20 The Who - My Generation

21 The Beach Boys - Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)

22 Jim Reeves - The Best Of Jim Reeves

23 Barbra Streisand - My Name Is Barbra, Two

24 The Rolling Stones - The Rolling Stones, Now!

25 Sonny & Cher - Look At Us

26 The Kinks - Kinks-Size

27 Barbra Streisand - My Name Is Barbra

28 Herman's Hermits - Introducing Herman's Hermits

29 Peter, Paul & Mary - Peter, Paul & Mary In Concert

30 The Rolling Stones - December's Children (And Everybody's)

31 Elvis Presley - Girl Happy

32 Junior Wells' - Chicago Blues Band Hoodoo Man Blues

33 The Rolling Stones - The Rolling Stones Number 2

34 Herb Alpert - South Of The Border

35 Peter, Paul & Mary - A Song Will Rise

36 Herb Alpert - The Lonely Bull

37 Peter, Paul & Mary - See What Tomorrow Brings

38 Herman's Hermits - Herman's Hermits On Tour

39 The Beach Boys - Beach Boys Party

40 Smokey Robinson - Going to a Go-Go

1965 Top Songs - British - Classic Rock

1 The Rolling Stones - "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"

Counterculture Song written by Jagger - Keith Richards (see below).

2 The Beatles - "Help!" written by Lennon-McCartney

Expresses a sense of Desparation.

3 The Righteous Brothers - "Unchained Melody" was written by Alex North, Lyrics by Hy Zaret (1955) for the Movie "Unchained"

4 The Beatles - "Yesterday" - Album "Help" - was written by Paul McCartney with help from Friends... Relationship nostalgia

5 Petula Clark - "Downtown" written by Tony Hatch... quintessential Pop Song

6 The Byrds - Mr. Tambourine Man written by Bob Dylan (1965) - Folk Rock with Jangly Guitars

7 The Beatles - "Ticket to Ride" Album "Help" - Lennon - McCartney... expresses Heartbreak and Loss

8 Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs - "Wooly Bully" written by Domingo "Sam" Samudio... Tex-Mex Rock

9 Bob Dylan - "Like a Rolling Stone" helped to redefine the boundaries of Popular Music and Songwriting, proving that Rock could encompass more complex Themes and longer Formats. Plays Harmonica while Singing.

10 The Temptations - "My Girl" written by Smokey Robinson and Ronals White... it has a distinctive Bass Line, played by James Jamerson. Motown Sound

11 The Beatles - "Day Tripper" written by Lennon-McCartney a 12-bar Blues sound with a great Guitar Riff.

12 The Rolling Stones - "Get Off of My Cloud" written by Jagger-Richards serves as a metaphorical plea for Solitude.

13 Sonny & Cher - "I Got You Babe" written by Sonny Bono is a Lover's Pop Song.

14 The Animals - "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and was sung every day by Soldiers in Vietnam.

15 Elvis Presley - "Crying in the Chapel" was written by Artie Glenn and covered from a 1953 version by Darrell Glenn... it conveys a message of finding Solace and Peace through Faith. It blends elements of Rock, Pop, and Gospel.

16 The Rolling Stones - "The Last Time" was written by Jagger-Richards and expresses Themes of frustration and resignation in a troubled Relationship.

17 The Beatles - "Eight Days a Week" was written by McCartney-Lennon showing 6 Days is not enough time to show Love.

18 The Byrds - "Turn! Turn! Turn!" (To Everything There is a Season)" was written and recorded by Pete Seeger in 1959. It reminds us that every moment has its purpose.

19 Barry McGuire - "Eve of Destruction" was written by P. F Sloan as a Blues/Hard Rock Style and addresses the Times at-hand with his raw Vocal delivery.

20 The Supremes - "Stop! in the Name of Love" was written by Mowntown's Holland-Dozier-Holland from a personal experience that blends Pop, R&B, and Soul Elements

21 Roger Miller - "King of the Road" depicts a life of a Hobo that embraces his freedom and Lifestyle... Country Rock.

22 The Yardbirds - "Heart Full of Soul" was written by Graham Gouldman with Jeff Beck influenced by Indian Music Rock and Raga.

23 The McCoys - "Hang On Sloopy" was written by Wes Ferrell and Bert Berns and was first recorded by the R&B Group Vibrations in 1964... it is the official Song of Ohio at Ohio University of Ohio.

24 The Seekers - "The Carnival is Over" was written by Tom Springfield (Australia Folk-Pop) and reflects Themes of Love and Loss.

25 The Beach Boys - "Help Me, Rhonda" was written Brian Wilson and Mike Love's Lyrics with Vocals by Al Jardine... Guitar-driven, simple Chords and is Nostaligic oriented.

26 Beatles - "Rock "N" Roll Music" written by Chuck Berry is their best Cover Song

27 Shirley Bassie - "Goldfinger" written by John Barry with Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from the James Bond Movie

28 The Who - "My Generation" written by Peter Townshend regarded as an "Anthem" for Youth Rebellion

29 The Four Tops - "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" written by Holland-Dozier-Holland for Motown Soul Rock.

30 The Yardbirds - "For Your Love" written by Graham Goldman was influenced by The Beatles including a harpsichord played by Brian Auger.

31 Jay & the Americans - "Cara Mia" was Covered from David Whitfield in 1954 expressing emotional lyrics with Themes of Love and Longing.

32 The Seekers - "I'll Never Find Another You" was Composed by Tom Springfield expresses deep Affection and Devotion, with Themes of Love and Companionship.

33 The Beach Boys - "California Girls" was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love where they envisioned a celebration of Women and the California Lifestyle. Covered by Katy Perry in 2010

34 Tom Jones - "It's Not Unusual" was written by less Reed and Gordon Mills was originally to be performed by Sandie Shaw.

35 James Brown - "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" is characterized by its Horn-heavy Arrangement and a prominent Electric Guitar Riff by Jimmy Nolan, which became a Hallmark of Funk Music.

36 Gary Lewis & The Playboys - "This Diamond Ring" was written by Al Kooper, Bob Brass, and Irwin Levine Covered from Sammy Ambrose original.

37 Dave Clark Five - "Over and Over" was originally written by Robert James Byrd and recorded by Bobby Day in 1958... the Song narrates a Young Man's attempts to engage with a Girl at a Party.

38 James Brown - "I Got You (I Feel Good)" is notable for its Brass-heavy Instrumentation and a Twelve-bar Blues structure, which helped define Brown's developing Funk Style

39 Freddie and the Dreamers - " I'm Telling You Now" was written by Freddie Garrity and Mitch Murray expresses a straightforward Declaration of Love.

40 Jewel Akens - "The Birds & the Bees" was written by Barry Stuart is characterized by its Pop and Easy listening style, reminiscent of the Honky Tonk Hits from the 1950s.

My Take on 1965

The year 1965 marked a significant period in the evolution of music, with diverse genres and styles emerging and gaining popularity. Here is my Take:

Rise of Folk Rock: 1965 saw the emergence of Folk Rock Fusion as a major Genre, blending Elements of Folk Music with Soft Rock and Roll. Bob Dylan's Electric Guitar Performance at the Newport Folk Festival signaled this shift. Dylan performed 4 Acoustic Songs, "All I Really Want to Do", "If You Gotta Go, Go Now", "Maggies Farm," and "Love Minus Zero/No Limit"

Dylan's performance inspired many Artists to blend Elements from both Styles... changing the Definition of "Folk Music" forever. One group benefited immensely from Dylan's performance... the Byrds who were at the forefront of creating the Folk Rock Genre. Their version of "Mr. Tambourine Man" reached number one on both the U.S. and UK charts in 1965, establishing them as International Stars. (Bob Dylan's Version)

The British Invasion Continued:

The British Invasion, which began in 1964, continued to influence American music. The statistical high point of the British Invasion occurred on June 18, 1965, when 14 records by British Artists occupied spots in the US Top 40 chart - a record that stood until 1983. The year saw another wave of Artists emerge. This included Groups playing in a more Pop Style (like The Hollies and The Zombies) as well as those with a harder-driving, Blues-based approach (like The Who).

Motown's Golden Age:

Motown Records was at its peak, producing hit after hit with its signature Soul Sound. Artists like The Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye were topping the Charts... Little Stevie Wonder was no longer Little, Martha and the Vandellas continued to be prominent, Gladys Knight and the Pips and the Miracles were still hot.

Psychedelic Beginnings:

The seeds of psychedelic rock were planted in 1965, with bands like The Beatles experimenting with new sounds in albums like "Rubber Soul".

Also, Dylan's complex, poetic Lyrics and willingness to address Social and Political Themes expanded the possibilities for Rock Songwriting beyond simple love songs... plus experimenting with longer, more complex compositions took on the Radio Stations 3-minute Rule. His success in pushing Musical Boundaries switching to an Electric Guitar for a few Songs encouraged others to experiment and evolve their Sounds and Lyrics.

His Album "Highway 61 Revisited" was released in 1965 and is often cited as influential in the development of Psychedelic Rock, with its surrealistic Lyrics and innovative Musical Arrangements.

Traditional Musicals:

While popular music was evolving rapidly, traditional musicals still held significant cultural influence. "The Sound of Music" film was released in 1965, becoming one of the most successful movie musicals in history.

Technological Advancements:

Improvements in recording technology have allowed for more complex Productions... Multi-track Recording became more sophisticated, enabling artists to create Layered, intricate Soundscapes. The Moog Synthesizer allowed Musicians to create and manipulate Electronic Sounds, opening up new possibilities for Production and Composition.

Protest Music:

The Socio-political Climate of the 1960s influenced music greatly. Protest Songs addressing Civil and Women's Rights, the Vietnam War, and other social issues became increasingly popular... Phil Ochs "I Ain't Marching Anymore", Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind," "The Times Are a-Changin", and "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire Songs are among the best for me.

Jazz Evolution:

Jazz continued to evolve, with Artists pushing the Boundaries of the Genre into more experimental Territories. Pete Seeger, Muddy Waters, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Herbie Mann, Duke Ellington, Stan Getz, and Count basie round-out the Top O' the Heap!

Country Music:

Country music was also a changin', with the "Nashville Sound" continuing to dominate, featuring smoother Production and more Pop-influenced arrangements. This style, pioneered by Producers like Chet Atkins, Steve Sholes, Owen Bradley, and Bob Ferguson aimed to make Country Music more palatable to Urban listeners.

Crossover Hits:

There was an increasing trend of songs crossing over between different charts (pop, R&B, country), indicating a blending of musical styles and audiences... including:

The Righteous Brothers - "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'"... Song topped both the Pop and R&B Charts, exemplifying the Blue-eyed Soul Sound.

The Four Tops - "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)"... Motown hit reached #1 on both Pop and R&B Charts, showcasing Motown's ability to cross Genre Boundaries.

The Supremes - "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "Back in My Arms Again"... Both songs topped the pop and R&B charts, further cementing The Supremes' crossover appeal.

James Brown - "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"...This Funk Classic reached #8 on the Pop Charts while topping the R&B Charts, helping to popularize Funk Music.

Roger Miller - "King of the Road"... This song was a rare triple Crossover, reaching #4 on the Pop Charts, #1 on the Country Charts, and #3 on the Easy Listening Charts.

Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs - "Wooly Bully"... the Song combines Elements of Rock, Dance Rock, and Traditional Mexican-American Conjunto Rhythms.

Willie's Personal Top 10 of 1965

The Rolling Stones - "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"

The Song, with its iconic Guitar Riff created by Keith Richards, captured the frustration and disillusionment of the Youth during the 1960s, resonating deeply with Listeners. It became the Band's first number-one Hit in the United States and is often credited with solidifying their status as Rock Legends. The Track's raw energy and Rebellious Spirit helped define the Sound of Rock n Roll, influencing countless artists and bands that followed.

2. The Beatles - "Ticket to Ride"

Primarily composed by John Lennon, with contributions from Paul McCartney, the Song features a distinctive, Heavy Sound that was groundbreaking for its time. The Track is characterized by its droning A Chord, unconventional Drum Pattern inspired by Arabian Rhythms, and George Harrison's prominent 12-String Guitar Riff. Lyrically, it explores Themes of Romantic departure and Independence, with potential references to the Isle of Wight town of Ryde. "Ticket to Ride" showcases the Beatles' growing Musical Sophistication, blending Elements of Rock, Psychedelia, and World Music influences.

2. Barry McGuire - "Eve of Destruction"

The Song addresses a range of pressing Issues, the Vietnam War, the threat of Nuclear Annihilation, Civil Rights struggles, and Societal Hypocrisy. Its raw, urgent Lyrics and McGuire's impassioned delivery struck a Chord, making it an Anthem of Dissent and a Call for Change. Despite, or perhaps because of, its controversial Nature, the Song created stirring widespread Debate. Its stark portrayal of a World teetering on the brink of Destruction resonated deeply, reflecting the Anxieties and Aspirations of my Generation, especially Moi!

3. The Yardbirds - "Heart Full of Soul"

The Song is a landmark Track that showcases the Band's innovative Fusion of Rock and Eastern Musical Influences. It was the first Single released after Jeff Beck replaced Eric Clapton as Lead Guitarist. Initially, recorded with a Sitar to capture an Indian Sound, the Band ultimately opted for Beck's Electric Guitar, which emulated the Sitar's Timbre using a Fuzz Box. This pioneering use of Indian-influenced Guitar Stylings and Fuzz effects marked one of the earliest examples of Raga Rock. The Song's dark, haunting Melody, combined with Keith Relf's emotive Vocals, conveys themes of vulnerability and regret. It remains a defining Track in the Yardbirds' Catalog, influencing the development of Psychedelic and Garage Rock.

4. Beatles - "Rock "N" Roll Music"

Originally written and recorded by Chuck Berry in 1957, their rendition showcases John Lennon's dynamic Vocal performance, which contrasts with Berry's more measured Style and features George Martin (the 5th Beatle) on Piano. This Cover became a staple in their live Repertoire and was later included in the compilation Album "Rock 'n' Roll Music" released in 1976. The Song captures the essence of Rock n Roll, celebrating its infectious Rhythm and Danceability.

5. The Who - "My Generation"

It features Roger Daltrey's distinctive Stuttering Vocals, which were intended to convey the Frustration and Anger of the Youth at the time. The Song's aggressive Instrumentation, including one of the first Bass Solos played by John Entwistle, that perfectly complements its defiant Lyrics. Its impact on Rock music is significant, with many considering it a Proto-punk Song that influenced subsequent generations of Musicians.

6. The Byrds - "Turn! Turn! Turn!"

The Folk Rock's Lyrics are adapted almost verbatim from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. The Byrds' version, featuring Jim McGuinn's distinctive 12-String Rickenbacker Guitar Sounds, became their second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It resonated strongly with the Public during the escalating Vietnam War... its message of Peace and the cyclical Nature of the Time struck a Chord with listeners.

7. The Rolling Stones - "The Last Time"

The Seminal Song features a distinctive Guitar Riff played by Brian Jones, with Keith Richards contributing Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals. The Song's Chorus borrows from the traditional Gospel Song "This May Be the Last Time," popularized by the Staple Singers... although the Stones adapted it with a more Rock-oriented and harder-hitting Sound.

8. Dave Clark Five - "Over and Over"

The song showcases the Band's signature energetic Style, featuring Mike Smith's powerful Lead Vocals and the Group's tight Instrumental backing. The Song exemplifies the DC5's ability to deliver Catchy, Uptempo Rock Songs that resonated with audiences during the British Invasion era. The song's driving Ehythm, punctuated by Dave Clark's distinctive Drumming and Denis Payton's Saxophone Riffs, helped solidify the Band's reputation as one of the leading Acts of the period.

9. The Beach Boys - "California Girls"

The Track is celebrated for its upbeat Melody and catchy Chorus, which expresses a longing for the idealized Lifestyle and beauty of California Women. Wilson's innovative Production Techniques shine through... featuring a distinctive 12-string Guitar intro played by Carl Wilson, which evokes a sunny, laid-back vibe reminiscent of the California Surf Culture. The Song's Lyrics contrast the charm of Girls from various Regions of the US... ultimately culminating in the iconic refrain, "I wish they all could be California girls."

10. The Animals - "We Gotta Get Out of This Place"

The Song features Eric Burdon's gritty, passionate Vocals and a distinctive opening Bass Line that immediately captures the urgency of its Message. Its Lyrics depict a Working-class Struggle and the desire to escape difficult circumstances, resonating strongly with Listeners. It gained particular significance during the Vietnam War, becoming immensely popular among US Soldiers and effectively serving as an unofficial Anthem for American Soldiers.

My Take on the Sounds of 1965

This year saw the rise of influential Rock Bands and the continued evolution of Pop Music. The British Invasion was in full swing, with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones dominating the Charts. The Byrds brought Folk Rock to the forefront... Bob Dylan's performance at Newport Jazz Fest where he "Went Electric" stunned many but I was all for it as I like both sides of their Sounds... we are on our way to Woodstock... Rock On ♪♪♪

© ClassicRockTurntables.com

All Rights Reserved